The Smithsonian’s Basic Video Game Design camp is introduced to game structure and design. We follow an “Initial Tutorial” that allows free form movement of the player. The students must create a wall, boss, avoid, contact, and release. Some students take their design to a larger level using the scrolling camera. The wall can be used to create obstacles or a maze. Most students start with a theme united by their characters. We use an Image Creator in Game Maker to create the sprites (game images), animations, and backgrounds. For many students, it is their first time using a digital drawing program. They learn the universal design tools as well as Game Maker specific tools.
Art Invention Lab 